Traitor's Moon

kinsman, the Exile, I wish you to know that I have never supported the stringent measures the Edict of Separation have forced on us.”
    Standing behind his uncle, Emiel said nothing, but Seregil thought he saw him tense.
    â€œI’m an old man, and perhaps a wishful one,” Nazien went on. “Now and then I almost think I see a glimpse of my friend Corruth in you, my lady, as I last saw him. You are like him in many ways: patient, forthright, and quick of wit. I think perhaps you possess his stubbornness, as well.”
    â€œHow strange,” Klia said softly. “Corruth í Glamien is a figure of legend to me. His body, before it was destroyed, was a preserved relic of ancient days. Yet to you he will always be the friend of your youth, unchanged, as Seregil is to me. What is it like, I wonder, to be ’faie or wizard, to live long enough to span such memories? My life is so brief in comparison, yet it doesn’t seem so to me.”
    â€œBecause you use it well,” Nazien replied. “But I fear your time in Sarikali grows short and I fear we may not meet again. I would be most honored if you would hunt with me before you depart.”
    â€œThe honor would be mine,” Klia replied warmly. “Virésse is hosting a great gathering tomorrow night; perhaps the following morning?”
    â€œAs you like, Klia ä Idrilain.”
    â€œPerhaps you should warn her that we Haman take the hunt most seriously,” Emiel put in pleasantly. “Tradition dictates that the feast be made up of whatever is caught that day. There’s always the chance you and your people will have to sup on bread and turab with the rest of us.”
    â€œYou’re fortunate in my choice of companions, then, Emiel í Moranthi,” Klia laughed. “Alec í Amasa can probably supply us all with ample meat.”
    Seregil nudged Alec in the ribs as several Haman covered shocked looks. “Sounds like you’re invited, at least.”

28
B URGLARS AT THE B ANQUET
    W hether it was Klia’s tacit approval for them to spy on her behalf, or simply the end of the enforced abstinence, Seregil surprised Alec with a burst of passion as soon as they were alone that evening.
    â€œWhat’s this?” Alec laughed as he was propelled none too gently onto the bed. Thanks to Seregil’s frequent dark moods and the lingering effects of his mysterious “fall,” they’d scarcely touched in days, weeks even.
    â€œIf you have to ask, then it
has
been too long,” Seregil growled, yanking Alec’s coat open and fumbling with his belt. He was wild, urgent, hungry to please. Alec responded in kind, neither of them noticing until much later that the door of their balcony was open to the world.
    â€œWe’ve probably got everyone from here to the kitchens blushing or cursing our names,” Seregil laughed when he’d finally collapsed on the floor beside the bed.
    Alec hung an arm over the side and toyed with a strand of his dark hair. “If they can still hear us, tell them to fetch a healer to restring my joints.”
    Seregil grasped his hand and pulled him over the edge, grunting as Alec landed on top of him. “Bilairy’s Guts, talí, you’re all knees and elbows.” Nuzzling Alec’s neck, he inhaledappreciatively. “You smell so good! How is it I always forget how—”
    Alec pulled back to look at him. “There’s something I forgot to tell you the other night when I got back from Ulan’s. The business about Phoria drove it right out of my head.”
    â€œHmmm? You forgot—” Seregil murmured, hands roaming.
    Alec caught one of them and pinned it against his chest. “Listen, will you? While I was spying on Ulan, a strong smell like perfume warned me that a watchman was coming to the room where I was hiding.”
    This got Seregil’s attention. “Warned you how?”
    â€œIt distracted me so that I saw the watchman coming. I’d have been caught for sure if it hadn’t. And it wasn’t the first time I smelled it, either.”
    â€œOh?”
    Alec rolled free and sat up. “It was just after we arrived in Sarikali. Kheeta took me to the House of the Pillars and we ran into Emiel í Moranthi.…” He faltered, seeing Seregil’s eyes narrow dangerously. “It was just some insults, that’s all.”
    â€œI see. Then what?”
    â€œAs we were leaving